Introduction
As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to understand how the virus is spread and how to protect yourself and others. Recent research has found that the majority of people catch COVID-19 through contact with contaminated surfaces and objects, rather than through airborne transmission. This means that it is important to practice good hygiene and to be mindful of what you touch and eat. In this article, we will discuss the findings of the research and provide tips on how to reduce your risk of catching COVID-19 through food and other surfaces. We will also provide some helpful advice on what to eat and what to avoid to help keep you safe.
Most People Catch COVID This Way, Experts Find
Experts have found that the most common way people catch COVID-19 is through close contact with an infected person. This means that the virus is spread through droplets that are released when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people stay at least 6 feet away from others who are not part of their household. This is known as social distancing and is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of the virus. Additionally, the CDC recommends wearing a face covering when in public, washing your hands often, and avoiding touching your face.
It is also important to practice good hygiene when eating. This means washing your hands before and after eating, avoiding sharing food or drinks, and avoiding eating in public places. Eating at home is the safest option, and if you do choose to eat out, make sure to choose restaurants that are following safety protocols.
Finally, it is important to remember that the virus can be spread through contact with surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. This means that it is important to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, countertops, and light switches.
By following these simple steps, you can help protect yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19. Remember to stay at least 6 feet away from others, wear a face covering, wash your hands often, and practice good hygiene when eating.
It’s been almost two years since the world has completely changed thanks to COVID, and while we understand the virus more, people are still catching COVID and cases are spiking in certain areas. Eat This, Not That! Health talked to Dr. J. Wes Ulm, MD, Ph.D. a physician-researcher and part of the Heroes of the COVID Crisis series, and Robert G. Lahita MD, Ph.D. (“Dr. Bob”), Director of the Institute for Autoimmune and Rheumatic Disease at Saint Joseph Health and author of the upcoming book Immunity Strong, who explained the five most common ways people are contracting COVID and how we can help avoid getting it. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Dr. Ulm says, “COVID-19, as has since been determined since the first US cases in the winter of 2019-2020, is an airborne virus with potential droplet transmission. That is to say, it can spread through respiratory-propelled droplets from the nose and mouth (like most colds or flu infections) but also as aerosols (like measles), through which the viruses essentially remain suspended in the air for a prolonged period. Although transmission through surfaces like doorknobs (fomites) is possible, this route of spread is comparatively uncommon. For this reason, any kind of event involving substantial close personal contact — particularly gatherings like weddings, funerals, and baby showers — is a very high-risk venue for COVID transmission. One of the frequent and tragic occurrences of 2020 was the rapidity through which COVID spread at funerals to commiserate the bereaved who had often already lost victims to COVID.”
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“The top ways I am seeing people catch COVID is by not wearing a mask, not washing their hands, and not social distancing in areas with a lot of people, poor ventilation, and where not everyone in that space is vaccinated,” Dr. Bob says. “As a reminder, if you’re vaccinated and get COVID you will likely have minor symptoms. If you’re vaccinated I would say you can still eat indoors, etc. I am vaccinated and I have eaten indoors so it’s safe to do. Some restaurants are even advertising the investment they’re making in high tech air filtration systems for improved ventilation.”
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“For similar reasons as people attending events where there is intimate personal contact, except in this case the spread is in large part facilitated via the closely-packed, indoor conditions and prolonged contact, such that both droplets and airborne transmission are expedited,” Dr. Ulm states.
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Dr. Ulm says, “As a musician and music-lover myself, it breaks my heart that this is the case but unfortunately, gigs like loud concerts and festivals are a significant vehicle for COVID dissemination. It turns out that loud singing and hollering propel droplets in much the same way as sneezes and forceful coughs, and indoor venues are especially vulnerable. Sports stadiums and parades can also spread the coronavirus even if outdoors through droplets, though at much lower levels through airborne transmission.”
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Busy public transportation and malls are still a concern according to Dr. Ulm. “While droplet spread may be less of a concern so long as people are not packed close together, still airborne transmission can be significant particularly if ventilation is poor.”
Dr. Ulm explains, “Conferences, as we now know, can often be superspreader events, with a recent anime convention in New York City helping to propagate the omicron variant (likely on top of Delta). As far as vaccines, keep in mind that vaccinated individuals can still significantly spread and contract COVID-19 — that is, the vaccines do not provide mucosal immunity — though severity of disease is significantly mitigated. So it’s still wise to vaccinate and get a booster after 6 months (when immunity wanes) and, for the vaccinated, to continue to mask and social distance.”
Follow the public health fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you live—get vaccinated ASAP; if you live in an area with low vaccination rates, wear an N95 face mask, don’t travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don’t go indoors with people you’re not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.